Autism Spectrum Disorder and Adolescence

In sixth grade, one of my favorite clients walked into my office and exclaimed, “Catherine, did you hear the news???” 

“What news?” I said. 

“I have autism!”

My client was smiling big. He’d just finished a full psychoeducational evaluation and he and his parents had met with my colleague who shared the diagnosis with them. 

I smiled big back. “How does it feel to know that about yourself?” I said. 

“It feels amazing!” he said, and we got back to our therapy. 

At Tandem Counseling, we love working with clients who are on the autism spectrum or who may be wondering if they are on the autism spectrum. Autism Spectrum disorder is a social communication disorder that, according to the CDC, impacts 1 in 31 children in the US. The teenage years for individuals with autism can be challenging as your child navigates social expectations, academic demands, sensory experiences, and questions about identity and belonging.

Every autistic adolescent is unique and experiences the world differently. Some may communicate in ways that are different from their peers.  Others may require more predictability in order to function optimally. Some experience sensory overwhelm or find social interactions especially draining. Importantly, many autistic teens have spent years masking—or hiding—their natural ways of thinking, communicating, or responding to the world in order to fit in, which can lead to anxiety, burnout, and exhaustion.  At Tandem Counseling, we can help your teenager recognize when they mask and create ways to live life in ways that feel more authentic to them. 

Instead of focusing on changing who a teen is, therapy can help them better understand themselves, advocate for their needs, build meaningful relationships, develop emotional regulation skills, and navigate challenges in ways that align with their values and strengths. 

We are excited to work with you!